A little Irish magic

My father used to tell us, “Everyone in the world is either Irish or wishes he were.” I was a kid, so I believed it. It didn’t take me long to discover that everyone values his own heritage that same way, but I still secretly think it’s super cool to be Irish. 🙂

So, in honor of this day, which of course has a special sparkle for me, here is a list of my favorite Irish things!

1) The music. Someone once said of the Irish, “All their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.” I’m the corniest person on the planet, so I love a good tear-jerker song. Try listening to Bing Crosby sing “The Isle of Innisfree,” and you might see what I mean. If you’ve ever been away from your home and your people, you’ll cry at that one, or your tear ducts are broken. How about “The Fields of Athenry” or “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen”? Sinead O’Connor singing “Molly Malone.” Christy Moore singing “Nancy Spain.” Anyone doing “Danny Boy.” Even while they’re tearing out your heart, you’re hitting the “repeat” button! Don’t like to cry? Hmmmm…you must not be Irish! 😉

2) The Dingle Peninsula in Western Ireland. This is what heaven looks like (as the song said). The picture here is of my daughter in a magical little cove called Slea Head. If you get a chance to go, do it. The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Lisdoonvarna…if you can, stay in an absolutely charming little B&B called Castlewood House, where they serve breakfast that was made by the angels.

3) The words. The irreverent definition of blarney is the ability to tell a man to go to hell in such a way that he looks forward to the trip. Whatever you call it, words fall from Irish tongues like fairy dust. Think of their wonderful blessings: “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.” And “May you be buried in a coffin made from the wood of a hundred-year-old tree that I shall plant tomorrow.”
And when they turn their words to poetry…to the lyrical celebration of nature, of life, of love, of fear and innocence… that is heaven, too. Yeats is my favorite Irish poet, and these are two of his images that I love the best:

From “Sailing to Byzantium”: “An aged man is but a paltry thing,
A tattered coat upon a stick, unless
Soul clap its hands and sing”

From “Song of Wandering Aengus”: “And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.”

Ooops… I’m suddenly realizing that three things isn’t enough! What about their gorgeous actors (Liam Neeson!), their art (The Book of Kells), their plays (Pygmalion!), their novels (Maeve Binchy), their courage, their beer and their history? But I mustn’t go on forever, so I’ll leave you with the Irish blessing I love best.

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Oh, yes, Kristin! That one is eternal. In fact, I can’t even speak that one out loud without choking up when I get to the “till we meet again” part. If you ever do get the chance to go to Ireland, grab it. I didn’t get to go until I was a middle-aged woman with grown children, but the magic is indescribable. You will hear your ancestors speaking to you in the water and the wind.

Maire Aine, what brilliant suggestions! And I absolutely agree with you about the power of seeing Ireland for the first time. I hadn’t expected to feel so connected. Growing up, I’d actually been more fascinated by Cornwall, England. When I visited there, I loved it…but when I stood by the water on the Dingle Peninsula, I belonged. Amazing stuff. Thanks so much for sharing all your deep and passionate knowledge of everything Irish!

With all the problems in the world and in my family (I just lost my father he was my rock, among other problems, it is nice to read your books and drift away. I have 5 daughters and 15 grandchildren, another on the way!

Thank you so much. I do not have a website or facebook or twitter, just e-mail.

Pat A, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I lost mine when I was in my 20s, and it was one of the most difficult losses of my life. It sounds as if you have a large, wonderful family–and I’ll bet he was so proud of all of them!

If my books can take you a way a little bit, that’s absolutely wonderful! It’s a great compliment, and I thank you for it! I hope you’ll come by often and let me know how you’re doing!

I would someday love to got to Ireland and see were my ancestors came from. I love the music and the history it is fascinating. One of my favorite groups is Celtic Thunder, and my favorite Irish blessing is:

May God grant you always…A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”

Pam S, that blessing is one of my favorites, too. Isn’t it lovely? And I’m so with you on Celtic Thunder. Which singer is your favorite? I’m hooked on Paul Byrom’s voice. Have you heard him sing Recuerdame? Heartbreakingly beautiful!

I hope you get that trip to Ireland soon. It’s haunting and wonderful. If you do…share pictures! 🙂

Celtic Thunder what a wonderful group to bring more pride to America and the world from Ireland. I’m not surprised when you think who was the mastermind behind the group. Phil Coulter has always been another magician from Northern Ireland. Tommy Makem, The Bard of Armagh and Phil Coulter from Derry are great examples of two individuals who have always written songs to promote freedom for all of Ireland.

Also try and check out singer Brian Kennedy also from Norhern Ireland. He is great also.

When Phil Coulter was asked to write a song for Irish Rugby he composed Ireland’s Call. If you listen to the words they are an astounding love for Ireland.

Attached is a link to Ireland’s Call on youtube. It is not sung by Celtic Thunder but the scenes of Ireland are marvelous. Also the lyrics are superimposed over the scenes.

If you want to see a wonderful video look up a video from Damian McGinty for Irish Tourism. The song is “Come to the Hills” in both Gaelic and English. This video was made before Celtic Thunder became popular.

As Irish-Americans we can be very proud of the wonderful talents from Northern Ireland they have contributed to so much in America. Liam Neeson is probably one of the most giving individuals to the Irish communities in both Ireland and America.